Lepionka to step down as Charlie's CEO

Charlie's, the juice and soft drink maker sold to Asahi Group last year, said co-founder Stefan Lepionka will step down as chief executive, effective July 31.

Lepionka will continue to sit on the board alongside former rugby star Marc Ellis and Simon Neal, who helped found the company in 1999. The Auckland-based company has already started looking for Lepionka's replacement.

“My view is that boards are dynamic places and I am looking forward to shifting into a stronger strategic and less operational role,” Lepionka said in a statement.

Last year, the juice maker was acquired by Asahi and is now part of the Schweppes group, which the Japanese brewer bought in 2009.

Charlie's also owns the New Zealand-based Phoenix Organic drinks company.

BusinessDesk.co.nz

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